SDA 2022 Entries

• Landscape + Public Realm - The space around, between and within buildings that is publicly accessible, including streets, squares, parks and open spaces. These areas and settings support or facilitate public life and social interaction. 

On behalf of Liverpool City Council and Toxteth Community, IP Surfaces’ sister company, Hardscape, worked collaboratively with BCA Landscape to design, develop and create a new look boulevard that includes public art with unique installations designed through community consultation and manufactured and produced at IP Surfaces. Each installation references key aspects of L8’s rich community and religious heritage and the legacy of Liverpool’s role as a major port city.

The creative elements include an etching of an 1800’s Toxteth map on an ‘L’ sculptured granite block to accompany an already existing ‘8’ sculpture; a ‘Princes Boulevard’ with three separate Nelson Mandela quotes; artwork etched into the paving which includes a ‘welcome mat’, helping to shape the design of the new public artwork that celebrates the history of activism, music, faith and the diversity of the L8 community, whilst also celebrating its connections with former South African President Nelson Mandela. Also, at the start of the boulevard is an empty plinth, with a plaque explaining the city’s role in the slave trade, Huskisson’s support of slavery and why the statue was removed which once held a statue of William Huskisson. It was removed in the 1980’s by activists in L8 due to Huskisson’s links to the slave trade. Also, there is an art installation on the floor in front of a tree representing the South African Tree of Life.

Implementing a variety of IP Surfaces texturing techniques, Hardscape collaborated with the design team and contractor to maintain the itinerary and timeline of the construction programme. The main challenges came from redesigning two junctions which meant that the granite design and procurement had to be produced in stages, with overlapping areas that required acute management of materials and programme procurement.

The history of Toxteth is now celebrated and openly shared via the various artworks which were developed with residents, local community groups and schools as a result of the public engagement process. What now remains is a galvanising location for outdoor activities and community events. The most positive impact has been the strong relationships developed between residents and Liverpool City Council. There is a now a new level of trust and respect for the Council from the local residents for recognising the benefits a scheme like this can provide for the community.

Cost of project: £4m
Completed - Summer 2020

The intricacy and attention to detail, particularly the hand-picked sandblasted-etched process for the large ‘L’ shaped polished Crystal Black granite sculptured block is a testament to the production technology and artisan craft skills of our traditional stone masons. Similar detailed work was undertaken for the ‘Tree of Life’ artwork set in the paving which was created from Kobra granite, etched and hand painted surface and waterjet-cut brass lettering inserted. The large ‘Princes Boulevard’ Kobra granite plinth was also part-polished, etched and painted with yellow detailing elements and lettering together with inserted bronze strips. The ‘mosaic’ design seen in the pattern of the Magma granite ‘carpet’ paving and on the borders of the interpretation panels were influenced by the repeated and shared patterns found within the various faith buildings located on and around the Avenue. These were identified during the engagement workshops and used as a basis for the designs on the Avenue.

Princes Avenue, Liverpool – 373 tco2

The upgrade to Princes Avenue and Princes Road, including the installation of a 1km cycle lane, event space and tree planting in the central reservation caused minimal disruption to local traffic and pedestrians.

LCR Culture & Creativity Award 2020 – Impact WINNER, Environmental Sustainability
https://www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/lcr-culture-creativity-awards-2020/
Real community engagement:
https://www.cultureliverpool.co.uk/princes-avenue/
Further images:
https://www.flickr.com/gp/14778857@N08/0z22c7
Further images:
https://ipsurfaces.co.uk/case-studies/princes-avenue-liverpool/